Jaguar Is Actually Thinking About An I-Pace SVR

You may have thought that the Jaguar I-Pace would spell the end of high-performance crossovers and SUVs from the automaker. Not so fast, Jaguar Land Rover executive director of corporate and strategy, Hanno Kirner, has revealed.

Speaking with Autocar at the ongoing New York Auto Show, Kirner said that Jaguar has started to evaluate an I-Pace SVR.

“We haven’t committed to anything, but we have begun evaluating what an electric SVR could offer and how we can make authentic SVR cars using the technology.

“The I-Pace has strong levels of speed, you could say, and there are technical additions that could make various project interesting projects for SVO. That includes fast SVR versions, but also perhaps extreme luxury SVA or off-road SVX models,” Burgess confirmed.

In standard guise, the Jaguar I-Pace is fitted with two electric motors delivering a combined 395 hp and 513 lb-ft of torque. Powering the motors is a 90 kWh battery pack. All told, the I-Pace can hit 60 mph (96 km/h) in just 4.5 seconds and a 124 mph (200 km/h) top speed.

If Jaguar were to make an I-Pace SVR, it would conceivably need to have in excess of 500 hp to be fitting of the badge. With that much grunt, and a substantial new torque figure, a 0-60 mph time in the mid-three second range would be achievable. The vehicle’s top speed could also increase, potentially up to the 155 mph (250 km/h) commonly expected among high-end vehicles.